Australian Social Inclusion Board

The Government has announced the duties and membership of the new Australian Social Inclusion Board., which brings together leaders from around the country. It will consult widely and provide views and advice to the Government.

The Board will be asked to focus on the most disadvantaged geographic areas and communities in the nation, and make recommendations on policy that could change the lifetime circumstances of jobless families and children at risk.

The Rudd Government has already begun work on a number of priorities which are important to the social inclusion agenda, including work on homelessness, a disability and mental health employment strategy, closing the gap for Indigenous Australians and universal access to pre-school.

Ms Patricia Faulkner, Victoria, who leads KPMG’s Global Healthcare practice and is also the National Partner-in-Charge for Health, will chair the board.

Other members are Monsignor David Cappo (vice chair); Ms Elleni Bereded-Samuel; Dr Ngiare Brown, indigenous doctor and med researcher; former MP Dr Ron Edwards; Mr Eddie McGuire; Dr John Falzon; Mr Ahmed Fahour, head NAB Vic; Professor Tony Vinson, NSW; Ms Linda White, Vic; Ms Kerry Graham, NSW; Mr Tony Nicholson ,Vic; Dr Chris Sarra ,Qld; and Professor Fiona Stanley, WA.